Will this fit in a backpack?

Four weeks and four days to departure

It is very interesting when you try to pack 12 boxes to be delivered over a six month time frame. Each box is for a resupply of food and whatever may be needed. Well, I don't know what I will be needing other than food, some toiletries, fresh socks... The boxes already feel heavier than we will be willing to carry. Of course, I've read that things will not go as planned. I ask myself, why am I planning? I've read that we may change our minds and do without the drops, yet I keep packing the boxes. Maybe after three children, homeschooling, work, starting a new business..........27 years later......the thought of so little is too much.

I am looking forward to heading out with all the planning behind us. Then in front of us is the adventure of the unknown. I believe we are ready.

Would you hike with this man? :)

This is Christmas morn when our family gave us some much needed backpacking gear. As long as he is with me, I feel safe.

7 weeks from today

Exactly 7 weeks today we plan to be spending the first night of many on the Appalachian Trail.  The closer it gets the more excited we become.  Over 5 years of planning is coming to a head.   A few months ago I had thoughts of excitement and also thoughts of what in the heck am I getting myself into.  The fears seem to be fading and anticipation of our adventure is taking over.  Knock on wood everything seems to be falling into place like this is meant to be.

We are trying to get our bodies prepared as best as you can for this physical and mental challenge.  Losing weight, hiking in the park and soon some intense weight training so our bodies don't go into shock.

No deadlines, phones, road rage, bills, television - out of the rat race and into the great outdoors with fresh air, sunshine, rain, cold, heat and many other challenges we haven't even thought of.

Mark

Love the outdoors

Enjoying our training hikes with this beautiful weather.